Spring 2018

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California State University, San Bernardino California State University, San Bernardino

CSUSB ScholarWorks

Cal State San Bernardino: News for Alumni and

Friends of the University Archives – California State University San Bernardino Spring 2018

Spring 2018

CSUSB

Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/alumni-mag Recommended Citation

Recommended Citation

CSUSB, "Spring 2018" (2018). Cal State San Bernardino: News for Alumni and Friends of the University. 87.

https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/alumni-mag/87

This Book is brought to you for free and open access by the Archives – California State University San Bernardino at CSUSB ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Cal State San Bernardino: News for Alumni and Friends of the University by an authorized administrator of CSUSB ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected].

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Rebounding

Stronger,

Together.

The San Bernardino arrowhead,

which has symbolized the city

and its people for generations,

embodies the strength of working

together for a better community.

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CSUSB Magazine is published by the Office of Strategic Communication at California State University, San Bernardino for contributors to the university.

This publication is partially funded with non-state resources. Opinions expressed in CSUSB Magazine do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors or represent the official policy of California State University, San Bernardino. The editorial committee reserves the right to edit all submitted material. Editorial and alumni information and photographs should be sent to:

Cal State San Bernardino Office of Strategic Communication CSUSB Magazine

5500 University Parkway San Bernardino, CA 92407-2393

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Alumni and Graduating Students

Please note that your name, address, phone number, school or college, and the year of graduation may be used by CSUSB for the development of university-affiliated marketing programs. If you do not wish to have this information used, please notify the university by writing to University Advancement at 5500 University Parkway, San Bernardino, CA 92407-2393. publisher Ron Fremont editor Bob Tenczar art director Angela Gillespie graphic design/illustration

Alan Van Fleet graphic design assistant

Felicia Vasquez writers Charles Bentley Julie Bos Joe Gutierrez Alan Llavore Amanda Mattox Mark Reinhiller Tracy Wise photography Corinne McCurdy Robert Whitehead Peter Acosta Jasmin Limon Peter Merts Michael Moody Rodrigo Peña Cary Tyler project coordinator Elizabeth Ferreira

News for Supporters of the University

F e a t u r e s

2 President’s Agenda

President Tomás D. Morales regularly engages with the local community, university partners, legislative representatives and educational leaders worldwide to champion CSUSB and its mission.

5 CSUSB alumnus earns

prestigious scholarship

for UCLA medical school

As a youth growing up in a neighborhood plagued by drug abuse and gang violence, Alex Soto saw education as a way to succeed and give back to the community to help those less fortunate.

6 CSUSB names its outstanding

faculty for 2017-18 year

Four faculty members — Kathie Pelletier, Kathleen Devlin, Gisela M. Bichler and Cherstin Lyon — were each surprised with Outstanding Faculty Awards.

11 CSUSB alumnus leads

the way to success

Despite challenging beginnings, Brian McDaniel, a middle school music teacher, was selected as one of the state’s five 2018 Teachers of the Year.

Read all of these fascinating stories and

more online at magazine.csusb.edu.

35 Coyote Care: CSUSB serves

the community during

National Volunteer Week

Hundreds of Coyotes gathered on a Saturday morning in April to help make a difference in the community for the sixth annual Coyote Cares Day.

37 A nursing student’s impactful

journey to Thailand

Bianca Castro’s passionate drive to give back led her to help abused elephants at a rescue and rehabilitation center in Thailand.

O n t h e C o v e r

12 Rebounding Stronger, Together

More than two years after the Dec. 2, 2015

terrorist attack in San Bernardino, CSUSB

and the city have made impressive strides to

rebuild the community. And a reflection of

this meaningful collaboration is seen in the

arrowhead naturally etched into the foothills

of the San Bernardino Mountains, which has

been a symbol of the city and its people for

generations — a landmark that embodies the

strength of working together.

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PRESIDENT'S AGENDA

President Morales talks

college preparation during

Super Sunday

In February, President Morales spoke to members of the Immanuel Praise Fellowship church in Rancho Cucamonga about the importance of preparing young African-Americans for college starting at preschool and continuing through elementary school, middle school and high school.

His talk was part of California State University’s Super Sunday higher education initiative, which encourages students to pursue college. CSU leaders, trustees, campus presidents and alumni visited 100 African-American churches across the state to talk about preparing for college.

CSU Super Sunday began more than a decade ago as a collaboration between the CSU, its campuses and predominantly African-American churches throughout California. ●

President Morales

co-hosts international

conference in Mexico

President Morales was one of three hosts at the semi-annual meeting of the International Association of University Presidents (IAUP), an association of university chief executives from higher education institutions around the world, held in November in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.

Joining Morales in hosting were Antonio Leaño Reyes, president of the Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara, and Fernando Leon Garcia, president of Centro de Enseñanza Técnica Y Superior (CETYS) University in Mexicali, Baja California.

Morales also served as a panelist in the session “University Responsiveness to Changing Times: Challenges and Opportunities from a Cross Regional Perspective,” which included Fernando Mata Carrasco, secretary general emeritus for IAUP. ●

CSUSB study abroad

programs receive president’s

support

President Morales has voiced his commitment and appreciation of study abroad programs numerous times, and continues to show his support.

“Studying abroad is a valuable learning tool that gives students the opportunity to break out of their comfort zones, experience new educational and social environments, and grow as individuals,” Morales said. “I firmly believe that these programs provide students with positive life-changing experiences that they carry with them for the rest of their lives.”

Since voicing his support of such programs, the last several years have shown a strong increase in participation, and is expected to continue to rise. CSUSB offers a number of study abroad options for students, from historical cities to tropical destinations. ●

President Tomás D. Morales regularly engages

with the local community, university partners,

legislative representatives and educational leaders

worldwide to champion CSUSB and its mission.

PRESIDENT'S

AGENDA

In mid-January, President Morales and Ron Fremont, vice president of University Advancement, attended the first ever CSU Alumni Reception in Taipei, Taiwan, where CSU alumni had the opportunity to meet and mingle. CSU Chancellor Timothy P. White and several other CSU presidents also attended the event. Similar receptions for CSU alumni took place in Hong Kong, China and Bangkok, Thailand.

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PRESIDENT'S AGENDA

TIAA features President Morales

as a ‘Difference Maker’

The financial services organization TIAA interviewed President Morales about his work with low-income and first-generation students. More than 80 percent of the students at Cal State San Bernardino are the first in their family to earn a degree.

“I have spent my entire career working with low-income students,” Morales said. “The biggest challenge is to provide the leadership that creates institutions that are responsive to the unique needs of first-generation and low-income students. They often are underprepared academically, especially in math. We must ensure that they’re prepared when they enter college.”

Morales said he’s been driven by the desire to increase CSUSB’s graduation rates since he became president in 2012. “By working with school districts to improve college readiness,” he said, “we’ve increased our graduation rates during the past 10 years.” ●

President Morales participates

in Goodwill forum

President Morales was a panelist at the Goodwill Southern California Inland Empire Breakfast Forum, “Tapping the Talents of Unique Populations,” on Feb. 28 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Ontario.

The panelists were asked to focus on disconnected youth, military veterans, individuals with disabilities, the re-entry population, the homeless and those living in poverty, and how their talents can be tapped to contribute to the region’s workforce and meet its employment needs.

President Morales presented to the audience the CSUSB programs that assist students who face these challenges, and how the university helps them succeed. ●

CSUSB alumnus

earns prestigious

scholarship for UCLA

medical school

CSUSB alumnus Alexander Soto is well on the way to defining the future in becoming a physician.

As a youth growing up in a neighborhood plagued by drug abuse and gang violence, Soto saw education as a way to succeed and give back to the community to help those less fortunate.

“What made me want to become a doctor was my community,” he said. “I originally grew up in Duarte, California, and the neighborhood I lived in was, unfortunately, socially challenged and economically challenged. There’s a lot of gang violence, drugs circulating and so I knew at a young age that education would be the route of success for me.”

He looked up to his parents and grandparents whose work ethic and sacrifice inspired him to become the first in his family to go to college.

“What helped me in the classroom was remembering my grandparents and my parents and their sacrifices they made to get into this country,” Soto said. “I’m the first in my family to go to college and my parents, unfortunately, did not have this opportunity, so constantly remembering those sacrifices really allowed me to get through

academically.”

His dedication and hard work at CSUSB, with the support of faculty and staff, resulted in his being awarded the California State University Trustees TELACU scholarship. Soto graduated with a degree in biochemistry and is now attending the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. ●

“Becoming a TELACU scholar

really allowed me to highlight the possibilities

for anybody and allowed me to provide for

others an inspiration,” said Soto,

“because I never thought I

would be able to receive such

a scholarship, such a prideful

award, and I never expected it.”

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Outstanding Scholarship,

Research And Creative

Activities Award

Gisela M. Bichler, professor of criminal justice, was the recipient of the biennial Outstanding Scholarship, Research and Creative Activities Award.

Bichler began teaching at CSUSB in 2000 and has spent the last 18 years building a sterling reputation that extends regionally, nationally and even internationally in the field of criminal justice. She teaches a wide variety of both undergraduate and graduate courses, mentors both undergraduate and graduate students, and serves as the

coordinator of the Crime Analysis Program (with over 100 majors) as well as the director of the Center for Criminal Justice Research.

Her research and scholarship have produced a significant number of published books, articles and conference papers — 42 scholarly works and 40 technical reports, in addition to numerous presentations.

Bichler received her bachelor’s in criminology from Simon Fraser University in Canada, and her master’s and Ph.D. in criminal justice from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Newark.

CSUSB names its

outstanding faculty

for the 2017-18 year

5 Awards. 4 Winners.

Golden Apple

The university’s highest award for teaching, the Golden Apple Award, was given to Kathie Pelletier, professor of management.

“The Golden Apple Award recognizes outstanding teachers who are highly effective at their craft and who have a significant impact on our students,” said President Tomás D. Morales. “Kathie has really been an exceptional leader on this campus.”

The nominating committee highlighted comments from faculty colleagues who have observed

Pelletier’s classes. They describe her as a “gifted instructor” and emphasize her “effectiveness” in the classroom.

Pelletier, who has been teaching at CSUSB since 2008, earned her bachelor’s degree in physical education from San Diego State University, a master’s degree in psychology (industrial/

organization) from CSUSB, and a Ph.D. in psychology (organizational behavior) from Claremont Graduate University.

Outstanding Professor and

Outstanding Faculty Advisor

History professor Cherstin Lyon was the recipient of two CSUSB awards: Outstanding Professor and Outstanding Faculty Advisor.

In its selection announcement for Outstanding Professor, the nominating committee stated, “Dr. Lyon is an excellent example of a faculty member whose presence at CSUSB has made a difference for the students and the university.”

“What makes this very special is that this award is really based on feedback from students and from her colleagues who have nominated Cherstin,” said President Tomás D. Morales. “It is the consistency of her excellence in teaching, research and service to the campus which led her colleagues to recommend her for this award.”

For the Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award, one student nominator described Lyon as “one of the most dedicated educators of her profession” who “continues to inspire her students in ways that only truly gifted teachers can.”

Lyon, who co-established the Public History program at CSUSB, was awarded both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history from the University of Oregon and a Ph.D. in history from the University of Arizona. ●

Outstanding Lecturer

Kathleen Devlin, a full-time instructor in the College of Natural Sciences, was named CSUSB’s Outstanding Lecturer.

“She not only is an outstanding teacher who really connects well with her students,” said President Tomás D. Morales, “but she has taught an incredible range of courses here at CSUSB.”

Devlin, who has been teaching at CSUSB since 1997, began in computer science and, over the years, has added courses in biology and physics. Many of her courses are high enrollment, and she routinely teaches over 500 students each quarter.

Devlin graduated from CSUSB with her bachelor’s in business administration and accounting as well as her MBA, and she will receive her M.S. in biology this year.

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Saving Planet

Earth with

Conscious

Capitalism:

Coyote Radio’s

newest program

explores

sustainability

Provocative and moving perspectives on the three P’s of sustainability: planet, people and profit … Stories on the unique ecological practices of other nations … Poetry about planet Earth … These are just some of the arresting ways Breena E. Coates, professor emeritus of corporate strategy, begins the Sustainability Show, an educational and entertaining talk show about global and regional sustainability on Coyote Radio.

The idea of the program began in Coates’ classroom, during her

teaching and research on corporate social responsibility in her corporate strategy classes. She also credits the Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration’s link to the United Nations Global Compact, via PRME (Principles for Responsible Management Education), as her inspiration.

The monthly show — supported by Jacob Poore, director of Coyote Radio, and Merlyna Na, radio engineer — brings together experts and other guests to discuss associated topics and give listeners a well-rounded view on various forms of sustainability. The goal is to have listeners learn about sustainability from a global perspective, as well as a local and regional perspective.

According to Coates, the era we are living in has been called by scientists the “Anthropocene” — where human behavior and actions are shaping the planet, and often self-interested actions on the environment cause more harm than good. The show focuses on environmental sustainability with an emphasis on conscious, responsible capitalism.

“To make people aware of the need

for sustainability, it requires the active support of business corporations, nonprofit corporations like CSUSB, and the public sector to set the example and make steps toward a positive change,” Coates said. “Supporting and creating a sustainable ecosystem must, of course, place significant focus on environmental protection, protection of our social systems, and the ability of business to make fair profits.”

The show also links to CSUSB strategies, such as Resilient CSUSB — a campus-wide initiative launched in 2017 to meet the sustainability needs of the future — and the campus motto, “We Define the Future.” The program also includes The Jack H. Brown College’s commitment to PRME values in educating business students to be responsible future corporate leaders.

“The way it is currently, with consumption and production, and with the ever-increasing population,” Coates said, “the planet’s resources will not sustain unless something is done to change the way we treat our planet.”

Listeners can tune in to the

Sustainability Show at radio.csusb.edu, or download the Coyote Radio app. ●

Community Garden Benefits

Obershaw DEN Food Pantry

The CSUSB Community Garden opened at the perfect time — right after the Obershaw DEN food pantry was remodeled with a refrigerator unit to store fruits and vegetables, offering fresh, healthy options to students facing food insecurity.

The garden is located in the university’s student housing area next to the Serrano Village Quad and has been growing a wide range of produce for the Obershaw DEN since officially opening in October 2017.

The first harvest took place in December 2017 and yielded more than seven pounds of produce donated to the pantry. Students picked a crop of lettuce, arugula, kale and romaine that would provide an estimated 15 to 20 meals. The second harvest came in January 2018 and yielded a crop of broccoli, buttercrunch lettuce and other vegetables. The Community Garden continues to grow and donate produce for the benefit of the Obershaw DEN. ●

Coyote Village

and Coyote

Commons coming

to campus

Cal State San Bernardino will introduce 164,000

square feet of new residence halls and a dining

complex this fall.

Coyote Village, the new housing facility, will consist of 416 double spaces and a limited number of single spaces. Students will be able to socialize in a centralized activity center, and will have convenient access to study rooms, a community kitchen and laundry facility.

Coyote Village will be located next to the new Coyote Commons, which will offer students who live on campus various food options and late-night dining.

Students who live on campus enjoy a variety of perks, including priority registration, reserved parking, fully furnished rooms, 24-hour security and live-in staff, Living Learning Communities, connections to campus and the chance to meet lifelong friends. ●

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Ten Years

in the

Making

Communication studies

professor helps create

documentary about

Israeli-Palestinian conflict

“1948: Creation & Catastrophe,” a documentary directed and co-produced by CSUSB communication studies professor Ahlam Muhtaseb, began its screening journey in 2017 with its premiere at the 26th annual Arizona International Film Festival in April.

Since then, the documentary, which highlights the Israeli-Palestinian

conflict, has been shown at numerous national and international events, and was even nominated for an Al Ard XV Film Festival award in Italy.

Muhtaseb, who has conducted fieldwork in the Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, Syria and Palestine, and Andy Trimlett, the film’s director and co-producer, spent 10 years making their 86-minute documentary, which explores the events of 1948, the most pivotal year in one of the most controversial conflicts in the world.

“The two of us began tracking down Palestinians and Israelis who remembered the war firsthand,” said Trimlett, who studied the Middle East in both his undergraduate and graduate studies.

They managed to collect dozens of stories from fighters, refugees (many

still living in camps) and survivors of the war now living in Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States.

During the project, Trimlett and Muhtaseb looked through more than 20,000 pages of history, conducted more than 90 interviews, collected more than 2,000 photographs from three dozen sources, combed through hours of archival film and gathered dozens of documents from Israeli military archives.

“Both Andy and I decided not to take sides or propose solutions,” said Muhtaseb. “We wanted to use a hard-fact-based approach to the film — here are the facts, here are the controversies and interpretations about what happened in 1948.” ●

¡VIVA LA MUJER!

LEAD IX Summit

focuses on

accomplishments

and challenges

facing Latina

women

In late March, the daylong LEAD IX Summit, ¡Viva la Mujer!, celebrated the accomplishments of Latina women and addressed the challenges they face, both in and outside academics.

The honorary chairs, or madrinas de honor, for the 2018 summit were Gloria Macías Harrison and Marta Macías Brown, sisters from San Bernardino who have a long history of contributing to the community.

The event also brought together past honorary chairpersons. Seven of the past nine madrinas de honor shared how each overcame challenges to succeed in their given professions in the capstone presentation “VIVA LA MUJER: Nosotras Las Madrinas.”

“Women are strong. We can do anything,” said Eloise Gómez Reyes, 2017 LEAD Summit Madrina de Honor and state assembly member representing the 47th District. “And just remember that women can lead,

and often times will lead.” Two panels that addressed educational issues, and four keynote women speakers who focused on topics ranging from empowerment, civil rights, education and conditions faced by women farmworkers, complemented the event.

This year’s summit was seen worldwide on the internet and social media, with a combined viewership of more than 480,000. ●

Beyond All Expectations:

CSUSB alumnus leads

the way to success

To say that a young Brian McDaniel faced formidable challenges to success, in even the most basic sense of the word, would be an understatement. As a child growing up in Desert Hot Springs — a community with less than a good reputation, as McDaniel described it — he endured the suicide of his father, an abusive stepfather, a period of homelessness.

Yet, with the help and support of his teachers and a determination to go beyond expectations, McDaniel overcame those challenges, graduating from high school and earning his bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees.

And, in the fall of 2017, as the music teacher and director of bands and choirs at Painted Hills Middle School in Desert Hot Springs, he was selected as one of the state’s five 2018 Teachers of the Year. On top of that, he was named by state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson as California’s nominee for 2018 National Teacher of the Year.

“I am just beyond shocked and surprised and in awe to represent Painted Hills as their teacher of the

year,” said McDaniel, who earned his master’s in curriculum and instruction from Cal State San Bernardino in 2008. “It’s beyond my wildest dreams.”

When McDaniel arrived at Painted Hills in 2014, all he had to work with was an empty band room — no instruments, no music stands, no chairs. He swept the floors, built shelving, installed locks, then wrote grants and sought donations for musical instruments.

“The in-between was rough,” McDaniel recalled.

As donations and instruments came in, the students decided to call themselves The Regiment. More than a name, it was an attitude they sought and developed — one of unity aimed at achievement and success.

The Regiment also wanted to raise the stature of their school, which once had the reputation of having discipline problems, McDaniel said. The idea: to go “Beyond All Expectations,” which the students wear on hooded sweatshirts. One way they did that: Their first competition in band and choir, and for many, their first time to travel outside the Coachella Valley,

they took first place in a music festival in San Francisco in 2016.

With the title “Teacher of the Year” attached to his name, McDaniel wants to make sure he gives back, and hopes to establish some sort of pipeline with Cal State San Bernardino trained teachers who were once local students.

“The way I look at it, I invested my life, my energy, into my students,” he said. “Maybe it’s greedy, but I want a return on my investment. I want them to give back. And to be honest, it’s this perpetual motion, where it’s exponential growth — the pebble that splashes in the pond, and it just ripples, ripples, ripples.”

The idea may sound lofty. But if McDaniel’s track record is any gauge, it wouldn’t be wise to bet against him.

His students certainly won’t. One of them, Itzel Posada, an eighth grader who is president of the choir, said: “One of the most import things that he’s taught me is that you can change your future, your destiny, by working hard, by being the best you can be.” ●

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Girl Power!

Women’s Leadership Conference

incites conversation and

empowerment

The Women’s Leadership Conference brought inspirational keynote speakers, engaging breakout sessions and a panel of successful women to the CSUSB campus for a day of thought-provoking conversation and empowerment.

“Research indicates that diverse groups make better decisions. Bringing different life experiences and viewpoints together allows for a clearer perspective that leads to superior outcomes,” CSUSB President Tomás D. Morales said in his opening speech. “This is especially true in higher education. As someone who believes in the importance of strong, progressive teamwork, I know women have unique abilities and skillsets that need to be recognized, utilized and valued.”

The two keynote speakers were Marianne Cooper, sociologist at the Clayman Institute for Gender Research at Stanford University, and Diane Guerrero, actress, activist and author, who is most known for her roles in the shows “Orange Is the New Black” and “Jane the Virgin.” Cooper shared her expertise on gender, women’s leadership, diversity and inclusion, and economic inequality, while Guerrero touched on a variety of topics including immigration, women’s issues, intersectional feminism and mental health.

The event also included a panelist of empowering women who shared their own unique stories, including Maijeh Badiee, CSUSB assistant professor of psychology and faculty member representing women in the professoriate;

Lane Shefter Bishop:

Professor, Producer, Director

Lane Shefter Bishop is not only a communication studies professor at CSUSB, she’s also an award-winning producer and director.

Bishop graduated from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, and after numerous smaller-scale directing gigs, landed her first big break as a director in the 2003 movie “Los Jornaleros,” or “The Day Laborers,” which was shown at film festivals across the country and even received official selection at the Milan International Film Festival in Italy.

In 2008, she started Vast Entertainment, which specializes in book-to-film adaptations. This helped Bishop pitch her first Lifetime movie, “The Choking Game,” based on the book “Choke,” by Diana Lopez. The movie, on which Bishop served as both the director and executive producer, premiered in 2014 and pulled in more than a million viewers for the network.

With more than 20 years of directing and producing experience, Bishop brings a wealth of firsthand knowledge to her production classes at CSUSB. “I can bring things here to show composition and show students audition tapes. They get a real-life, hands-on experience,” Bishop said.

Whether she’s producing, directing or teaching, Bishop enjoys the busy chaos. “With all the craziness,” she said, “it’s been such a good experience.” ●

The Social Justice Summit explores

human rights and equality

A powerful day took place on the CSUSB campus when the Office of Student Engagement hosted the Social Justice Summit, focusing on human rights and equality.

Angela Rye — influential political strategist, social justice advocate and CNN political commentator — was the keynote speaker. A question-and-answer session followed Rye’s speech, along with a meet-and-greet and a chance for attendees to take a photo with her.

“I just really want to challenge you all to stop asking — start demanding,” Rye said during the event. “Start speaking up — you have a voice for a reason. Start ensuring that in all of your movement building, it’s inclusive — we can’t afford to be separate. We know what happens when people get separated.”

The event also featured speeches from Estefania Esparza, CSUSB senior and community outreach coordinator for the Undocumented Advocates student club; Margaret B. Hill, president of the board of the San Bernardino City Unified School District, CSUSB adjunct professor and CSUSB alumna; and Raul Maldonado, graduate assistant for the CSUSB Queer and Transgender Resource Center.

The Social Justice Summit included breakout sessions that aimed to teach attendees how to be change agents in their communities, and covered the way in which human rights are manifested in the everyday lives of people at every level of society. Attendees were also offered the opportunity to sign up with local organizations that hosted tables during the event. ●

Qiana Charles, CSUSB alumna representing women in the private sector; Soraya M. Coley, Cal Poly Pomona president representing women in higher education; Claudia Davis, an associate professor of nursing and nurse representing women in STEM; and Eloise Gómez Reyes, state assemblymember representing women in politics.

“It was very inspiring to be around so many powerful women and allies,” said Crystal Wymer-Lucero, director of the Office of Alumni Relations. “I appreciated the variety of sessions, from the morning keynote to the breakouts to the afternoon keynotes and panel. There was something for everyone.” ●

Theatre professor

inducted into

College of Fellows

of American Theatre

Theatre arts professor Kathryn Ervin was one of only 10 people inducted into the College of Fellows of the American Theatre, one of the highest honors bestowed on educators and professionals in the educational and theatre community.

“I was absolutely delighted to be invited into this prestigious group,” said Ervin, who was inducted into the College in April at the historic Cosmos Club in Washington, D.C.

Ervin — who teaches courses in directing, acting, creative drama and African American theatre, film and culture — has been a professor at CSUSB since 1989, serving three times as chair of the theatre department.

Ervin is also an active member in a number of professional organizations, including the California Educational Theatre Association, the Association for Theatre in Higher Education and the California Arts Project, in which she is a fellow. She was also granted the Black Theatre Network Lifetime Membership Award in 2010, recognizing her service to the organization.

Ervin began working in theatre as a high school student with longtime friend, Michael Dinwiddie, who was also inducted into the College this year.

“It was an honor to become part of this group of wonderful colleagues,” said Ervin. “It is so exciting to be recognized for doing the work you love.” ●

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U.S. News and World Report

2019 Ranking

Cal State San Bernardino’s part-time MBA program and its graduate programs in social work and public affairs were ranked among the top graduate studies programs in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report 2019 rankings of graduate schools.

The part-time MBA program, which is housed in the Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration, was ranked 133 out of 206 programs. The ranking was based on five factors: average peer assessment score; average GMAT score and GRE scores of part-time MBA students entering in the fall of 2017; average undergraduate grade point average; average number of years of work experience; and the percentage of the fall 2017 total MBA program enrollment that is in the part-time MBA program.

The social work program, housed in the School of Social Work in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, was listed 128 out of 220 colleges and universities. All the health rankings, including social work, were based solely on the results of peer assessment surveys sent to deans, other administrators and/or faculty at accredited degree programs or schools in each discipline.

The public affairs ranking listed CSUSB and its public administration department as 108 in its rankings of 155 institutions. The public administration department is housed in the Brown College. The rankings, completed in 2018, were based solely on peer assessment survey results.

U.S. News & World Report’s annual rankings are considered one of the most influential and anticipated recognitions for colleges and universities that provide a full range of undergraduate and master’s degree programs throughout the nation. ●

A Month-Long Celebration:

Rat Pack takes over the

Palm Desert Campus

The Palm Desert Campus had an eventful March with a month-long celebration of all things Rat Pack.

The Rat Pack was a group of popular and influential entertainers, including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Peter Lawford and Joey Bishop, who appeared together on stage and in films in the early 1960s, including the movies “Ocean’s 11” and “Sergeants 3.”

Several festive events took place throughout the celebration, including a private photo collection viewing from the Rat Pack era, complete with cocktails and appetizers; a movie screening and discussion of the 1960s “Ocean’s 11”; a performance titled “Marilyn, Madness & Me” with a wine reception; an award-winning Rat Pack tribute show, featuring a Vegas-based live band; and a Palm Springs celebrity home tour. ●

Palm Desert Campus

students get

lessons from leaders

A series of preeminent business and cultural leaders visited the Palm Desert Campus throughout winter quarter to share their stories of success and, at times, failures. The presentations, called Lessons from Leaders, were designed to inspire students to take chances and reach for goals they never thought possible.

Lessons from Leaders is a for-credit class that focuses on a different business, nonprofit or government leader each week to highlight their professional experience and personal advice for success.

During winter quarter, the class format began with an introduction by instructor Michael J. Ortiz, president emeritus of Cal Poly Pomona, followed by the visiting speaker providing 30-40 minutes of content, and then an open conversation with the enrolled students. The class concluded with a reception where students interacted with the speaker and gained critical networking skills. ●

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Rebounding

Stronger,

Together

How CSUSB and Local

Partners Have Joined

Hands to Strengthen the

Community, Create a

College-Going Culture and

Forge Triumph from Tragedy

On December 2, 2015, all eyes fell on San Bernardino after 14 people were gunned down and 21 others injured in a horrific terrorist attack targeting employees of the county’s Environmental Health Services Division during a holiday party. Media flocked in from across the globe. Mourners filled a baseball stadium. Elected officials expressed their sorrow. And the city of San Bernardino was rocked to its core.

Today, more than two years later, the city and community have made impressive strides to rebuild, support common goals and come out stronger than before. A central force in the effort is California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB), which continues to work closely with local partners to build and sustain a college-going culture and community.

Among those partners are leaders in the city, area school districts and businesses who are also CSUSB alumni and who were themselves shaped and inspired by the university’s dedication to serve the community.

“Over the years, the city had been building a solid foundation for growth and redevelopment, and this tragedy had the potential to undo the work that had been accomplished,” said San Bernardino Mayor R. Carey Davis (’97 MBA). “Instead, this tragedy revealed a strong, resilient and determining community. We learned that, as individuals and members of the larger community, we have a tremendous ability, willingness and sheer desire to come together as partners to fight for better in San Bernardino. With committed partners like CSUSB, we are creating a vibrant and sustainable community for all who live and work here.”

The large arrowhead shape that is naturally etched into the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains has been a significant landmark in the area for centuries. A year after the Dec. 2, 2015 terrorist attack, the landmark was illuminated for 14 days, honoring those lost in the tragic event. The iconic arrowhead continues to be a symbol of the city and its people.

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csusb magazine fall 2017/winter 2018 | 17

Many Hands, One Mission

How exactly are CSUSB and its community partners strengthening city, the county and the Inland Empire at large? The list of collaborative partnerships is lengthy and impressive — a true reflection of everyone’s commitment to enhance the social, economic and cultural well-being of not only San Bernardino, but the entire Inland Empire. Here’s a glimpse of the great work being done — and how it’s making life better for San Bernardino.

Collaborating with: The City of

San Bernardino

Strategic planning for the city’s future

In 2015, the city hosted a series of community forums to gauge San Bernardino residents’ ideas of what they envisioned for the city’s future. Armed with those thoughts and desires, the city’s strategic planning team created a plan with seven directed goals, which were adopted in 2015.

In all of this, CSUSB had a seat at the table and continues to be a major contributor to the conversations. In fact, collaborations between the city and CSUSB are evident in a wide range of efforts including:

• During Coyote Cares Day (and other scheduled events), CSUSB students support the city’s Quality of Life Team in their efforts to combat blight in city parts and roadways.

• CSUSB social work students work closely with the SBCUSD Youth Services Youth Court to develop positive relationships with at-risk youth and support other city prevention programs.

• The San Bernardino Police Department works closely with CSUSB police to ensure the north position of the city’s 5th Ward is safe.

• CSUSB’s educational programs equip the city’s workforce with the skills needed to succeed in a business environment, and help bridge the skills gap to help reduce unemployment in the community.

• CSUSB provides well-qualified interns and graduates to the city, which improves the workforce and strengthens the community from the inside out.

“CSUSB is a critical piece of the story our city is writing through the newly adopted vision for a vibrant future,” said Mayor Davis. “The university has been a catalyst for economic growth in our community, through the shared vision between our city and CSUSB to create a better community for work, play and study. Our city and community are stronger because of CSUSB’s willingness to work together in a collaborative manner and develop solutions to the complex challenges we collectively face.”

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Collaborating with:

San Bernardino

City Unified School

District

Preparing high school

students for college

CSUSB’s commitment to student success starts long before the college years. Working with local school districts and community colleges, the university works hard to help K-12 students and their families get ready for college, increase the rates of college-going students, enhance student retention in college, and ultimately raise the number of degrees awarded to students in the city.

“As a community, we have come together and developed a strong common agenda with mutually reinforcing activities,” said Dale Marsden (’92 BA liberal studies, ’98 MA educational administration), superintendent of the San

Bernardino City Unified School District. “Without a doubt, we’re making exceptional progress and seeing great outcomes.”

Two years ago, the College Board recognized San Bernardino as the only large urban city school district to receive the Gaston Caperton Award for the most growth in students taking A-G (more rigorous college-ready) coursework. Marsden credits this accomplishment to the strong partnership with CSUSB and the growing number of students participating in AVID (Advancement Via Individualized Determination), a college preparedness program that boasts college attainment for 90 percent of participating students. Due to the enormous success, the school district is now introducing the AVID program at the elementary and middle school levels.

Another strong collaboration with CSUSB has been through the GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate

students into college. In 2014, Cal State San Bernardino became the state’s largest recipient (and the only recipient in the Inland Empire) of a $14.2 million federal grant to run GEAR UP in the San Bernardino school district.

The grant covers the entire six years it will take for the seventh-graders to work their way through middle and high schools. The funds provide additional staff members in the form of mentors, tutors and program administrators who guide low-income high school students on a college-bound course, with CSUSB overseeing the program.

“We’re already starting to see the outcomes of this program,” said Marsden. “Six years ago, we had a 66.6 percent graduation rate, and now we have an 89.9 percent graduation rate. We’re seeing the greatest growth with our African-American students, demonstrating a 4.6 percent gain just this past year.”

These results are just the tip of

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about what lies ahead.

“When I think about our district’s collaboration with CSUSB, I’m most proud of the fact that we’re getting real work done,” he said.

Collaborating with:

San Bernardino

County Schools

Driving long-term systemic

change throughout the

Inland Empire

CSUSB is committed to improving student success far beyond the city limits of San Bernardino — the university wants to make a difference county-wide.

According to recent data from College Futures Foundation, for every 1,000 high school freshmen in the Inland Empire, only 151 will complete an undergraduate degree. That’s far below the state average and surrounding regions.

“Confronting these realities is a

education can solve on their own,” said Ted Alejandre (’88 BA public administration, ’93 MA educational administration), superintendent of San Bernardino County Schools. “Our teams at county schools, CSUSB, our K-12 school districts and like-minded community, civic and business partners recognize that aligning initiatives, resources and policy regionally creates success for all of our students, from the time they enter kindergarten through degree and career attainment.”

Initiatives such as the Cradle to Career Roadmap and Growing Inland Achievement are innovative examples of a countywide collective impact approach to instill lifelong learning and college and career readiness in San Bernardino County students. These programs are aimed to grow the educational attainment and workforce readiness of local youth, but they also result in powerful partnerships between education, government, business,

and local faith- and community-based organizations that work collectively to build strong schools, safe communities and a vibrant economy that boasts opportunities for all its residents.

“The Inland Empire region is unique in its efforts to work collaboratively among public and private sectors to bring about long-term systemic change, which is why the programs and initiatives we are working on with CSUSB are having tremendous impact and continue to grow momentum for our county’s residents,” said Alejandre. “We are all committed to success for all students, regardless of their background. When we work toward the common goal of preparing our students for college and career, we are preparing our students to lead successful productive lives, contributing to the economic prosperity and quality of life for our region, state, nation and a global society.”

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Collaborating with: Inland

Empire Economic Partnership

Increasing baccalaureate attainment in a

region of 4.6 million

Among U.S. regions with over a million people, the Inland Empire has the lowest baccalaureate attainment rate at about 21 percent (out of 4.6 million people). Compared to San Francisco and the Silicon Valley, where baccalaureate attainment is about 46 percent, the Inland Empire is less than half. This fact has a direct impact on the Inland Empire’s ability to participate in the Innovation Economy. Therefore, increasing baccalaureate attainment is a top priority for the Inland Empire Economic Partnership (IEEP), a coalition of business, public sector, nonprofits and educational institutions focused on jobs and quality of life in the region. By increasing the number of people achieving a baccalaureate degree, the Inland Empire will attract more sectors of business, thus increasing economic strength.

CSUSB continues to be a strong partner in this mission.

The university works closely with the IEEP on workforce issues, economic development issues and ways to address critical trends.

Several years ago, an education collaborative formed by CSUSB President Tomás D. Morales and UCR Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox — consisting of the IEEP, the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership, community colleges, school districts, local governments and businesses across San Bernardino and Riverside Counties — worked together to apply for the Governor’s Innovation Award.

The outcome? The collaborative received one of three $5 million Governor’s Awards for Innovation in Higher Education. Since then, the collaborative has created a cradle-to-career collective impact model for addressing college readiness, and ultimately increasing college graduation rates. The vision is to promote and improve education for all students, significantly benefitting the local economy through preparation of a well-trained workforce.

“As president and CEO of the IEEP — and also an alumnus of CSUSB — it makes me proud to see how involved the university is in educating the future workforce in our

region,” said Paul Granillo (’91 BA history), IEEP president and CEO. “CSUSB is a great partner and is doing a great service for the Inland Empire.”

Collaborating through: CSUSB’s

Community Engagement

Improving quality of life in the local

community

“CSUSB has a long history of working with partners and residents to improve our local communities, and I think our efforts in the community have intensified since the December 2015 event,” said Diane Podolske, director of the CSUSB Office of Community Engagement. “The #SanBernardinoStrong campaign and the annual anniversary of the tragedy are recommitment points for ourselves, both individually and collectively, to improve the quality of life for local residents.”

Each year, CSUSB students and athletes consistently contribute over 95,000 hours of volunteer and community service, and they’re voting at rates that are higher than comparable institutions across the United States. The university’s community engagement efforts include on-campus and off-site volunteer activities, community service and civic involvement, through annual programs like CSUSB Coyote Cares Day and Make a Difference Day. Both days are an opportunity for students, faculty and staff to volunteer their time at local nonprofits, community centers and other locations that serve needy families, or seek help with environmental clean-up, beautification and restoration projects.

The university is also making a difference in civic involvement and voter registration. CSUSB was recognized at the first-ever ALL IN Challenge Awards Ceremony, held last October, to recognize colleges and universities committed to increasing college student voting rates. The university was awarded a bronze seal for achieving a student rate between 50 and 59 percent. CSUSB was one of four CSU campuses to be honored in the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge.

In 2016, 77.3 percent of CSUSB students were registered voters and 54.2 percent of these eligible students voted in the presidential election. Also, 14.7 percent of CSUSB student voters sent a mail-in ballot in 2012, while 54.3 percent mailed their vote in 2016 — a dramatic difference in voting behavior.

CSUSB’s commitment to community engagement is no passing fancy. In fact, community engagement plays a central role in the university’s strategic plan, emphasizing the importance of this work for CSUSB. The commitment to

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this goal is woven into the university’s DNA — representing what CSUSB stands for, and carrying the complete support of President Morales and the upper administration, as well as from the faculty, staff and students.

At the end of the day, it’s all about making a stronger San Bernardino.

“We are striving to not only to be known as a city that experienced a terrorist attack, but also and more importantly, a city that is committed to creating a positive future for all,” said Podolske. “I think many of us at CSUSB are working hard to have the legacy of our alumni who lost their lives on that terrible day be one of community strength and resiliency.”

Collaborating through:

Federal Grants

Improving the region’s educational priorities

and increasing college-going rates

When it comes to strengthening a community from the inside out — and changing perceptions about attending college — funding can play a large role. Fortunately, CSUSB is the beneficiary of three federal grants that help local students and their families become more prepared for college.

The newest grant, awarded in fall 2016, is the U.S. Department of Education Talent Search grant. It awards $3.2 million over five years to promote college education and preparedness in middle school and high school students in Colton, Rialto and San Bernardino school districts.

Another grant is the aforementioned GEAR UP grant, the six-year, $14.2 million grant that started in 2014 and applies only to a cohort of middle school students from disadvantaged backgrounds in the San Bernardino school district. As part of the grant, CSUSB provides mentors and tutors for the students, following them for six years until they graduate from high school.

Finally, CSUSB benefits from Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math Science funding, which starts in 2018 and provides over $4 million over five years to help students in Rialto and San Bernardino school districts graduate from high school, and enroll and graduate from college.

“These grants help strengthen our community by engaging students and parents and providing them all with college awareness tools — ultimately, trying to create a college-going culture for students,” said Olivia Rosas (’95 MA counseling and guidance), associate vice president of Student Success and Educational Equity.

“We provide educational sessions for parents, so they can help empower their students and expose them to different college options. We also take students on field trips — both educational and social — so they can better navigate their lives when they get to college.

“By providing kids with options, we can enhance our community,” she added. “We are proud to be in San Bernardino, and proud that our students have access to multiple colleges in the area — not just our campus, but any other college they may be interested in. We are very proud of our efforts, and the joy that comes from seeing more and more students become excited about college.”

Enhancing the Inland Empire

One Student at a Time

“Cal State San Bernardino is a collaborative partner and committed leader working in unison with our local communities, school partners, businesses and entrepreneurs to achieve success throughout the Inland Empire,” said President Morales. “Whether it is helping young people excel in their studies to ultimately prepare them for college and beyond, teaming with civic and business leaders to expand and enhance the local workforce and promote our vibrant, growing region, or improving the quality of life through our many

volunteer activities, we are proud to serve the people and communities of San Bernardino.” ●

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Singer-songwriter Khalid

entertains in the rain

Despite a rainy evening in March, huge crowds poured on to the university’s athletic fields for ASI’s winter concert to dance the night away and see popular singer-songwriter and Grammy nominee Khalid headline the event, whose breakout hit, “Location,” generated more than 26.5 million Spotify streams and 4 million YouTube views.

Watch at

magazine.csusb.edu

CSUSB receives $1.1

million in grants to

increase bachelor’s

degree attainment rates

In partnership with Growing Inland Achievement (GIA), the CSUSB Philanthropic Foundation secured two 24-month grants, totaling $1.1 million, from College Futures Foundation and The James Irvine Foundation.

The combined grants will be used to increase bachelor’s degree attainment rates among students who are historically underserved and underrepresented in higher education in the Inland Empire. More specifically, the grants will support the GIA initiative to increase staff capacity, develop and implement a strategic

plan to create collaborative practices across education, and fundraise to sustain GIA’s role as a cross-sector alliance dedicated to increasing bachelor’s degree completion in the region.

“We are thrilled to receive this $1.1 million grant from College Futures Foundation and The James Irvine Foundation,” said Kimberly Shiner, associate vice president of CSUSB’s Office of University Development. “These two foundations have been committed partners to the success of student achievement in our region.”

College Futures Foundation approved a grant of $800,000 and The James Irvine Foundation gifted $300,000 to support the GIA initiative, which was implemented to improve the long-term economic outlook of the Inland Empire by increasing the

number of students with baccalaureate degrees who are prepared to enter the workforce.

The GIA Governing Board, comprised of bi-county influential leaders, including CSUSB President Tomás D. Morales, envisions that by 2035, Riverside and San Bernardino counties will be widely recognized for a well-educated workforce, thriving communities and vibrant economy.

“The Growing Inland Achievement initiative is not only a critical collective impact collaborative to CSUSB students,” said Shiner, “but more importantly, to the entire region of the Inland Empire to increase the attainment of baccalaureate degrees and long-term economic impact of the region’s future in the 21st century.” ●

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College of Social and

Behavioral Sciences

celebrates 2018

Hall of Fame

Noted historian

and author

speaks at the

second annual

Rabbi Hillel Cohn

Endowed Lecture

The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences hosted its 2018 Hall of Fame celebration in April to honor the excellence of faculty, staff, students and alumni.

Five people were inducted: Jack Ainsworth, executive director of the California Coastal Commission and CSUSB alumnus; David Bristow, attorney and former United States magistrate judge, and CSUSB alumnus; the late Dominic Bulgarella and Rosaria Bulgarella, former CSUSB employees — Dominic as a professor for more than 30 years and Rosaria for the California State University, San Bernardino Foundation; and Chuck Hoffman, professor emeritus from the psychology department.

“This year’s inductees have dedicated a good part of their lives to selflessly serving our campus and our broader Inland Empire communities,” said A. Rafik Mohamed, dean of the college, “and toward providing opportunities for our SBS students to pursue their dreams and give back to the greater San Bernardino and Riverside County region.” ●

In mid-March, Gary P. Zola, an author and historian of American Jewry who specializes in the development of American Reform Judaism, spoke at the second annual Rabbi Hillel Cohn Endowed Lecture, which works to enhance an understanding of different cultures and religions, and to celebrate the Jewish contribution to society.

Zola’s talk, “He was one of us: The Judaization of Abraham Lincoln,” focused on how history has shown that certain members of the Jewish community consider Abraham Lincoln to be one of their own.

“Not only have American Jews venerated this man,” Zola said, “but what I found in my research is that something very unique happens; they try hard to, if you will, Judaize

Abraham Lincoln, and the Judaization of Abraham Lincoln is something that begins while he’s president and continues on to this day.”

Zola is the author of several published volumes, such as “We Called Him Rabbi Abraham: Lincoln and American Jewry, a Documentary History.” He is also the executive director of the Jacob Rader Marcus Center of the American Jewish Archives and the Edward M. Ackerman Family Distinguished Professor of the American Jewish Experience and Reform Jewish History at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) in Cincinnati.

Cohn, the lecture’s namesake, has been active in many San Bernardino-area organizations, served as rabbi

of Congregation Emanu El in San Bernardino from 1963 to 2001, and returned to lead the congregation from 2014 to 2015, while they sought a new rabbi.

Cohn, who was one of six inductees selected for the CSUSB College of Social and Behavioral College’s Hall of Fame in 2014, also serves on the Institutional Review Board at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center and as a member of the Diocesan Health Care Committee of the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Bernardino. He was the founding chairperson of the City of San Bernardino Human Relations Commission, and currently serves as a member. ●

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Watch at

magazine.csusb.edu

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Sixth annual

Pioneer Breakfast

brings new

theme and more

scholarships

During the sixth annual Pioneer Breakfast on Feb. 23, the Cal State San Bernardino Black Faculty, Staff and Student Association honored local community members for their service and announced student scholarship recipients.

This year’s event, which coincided with the celebration of Black History Month, introduced new branding, more scholarships and a change in the concept of the annual essay competition that CSUSB students compete in, said Anthony Roberson, the BFSSA Pioneer chair.

The theme, “Our Legacy Defines Our Future,” connected with the university’s vision of “We Define the Future.”

This year’s scholarship recipients were:

• Darnell Collins, Belva Holder Memorial Scholarship; • Christopher Akwaja, Dr. Milton Clark Tenacity Scholarship; • Malinda Hendrix, John Overton Memorial Scholarship; • Chloe Patterson, Dr. Mildred Henry Scholarship;

• Austin Warren, Terrylin Monette Memorial Scholarship; and • Breeona Bright, Dr. Jean Peacock and Walter Hawkins

Memorial Scholarship. The 2018 Pioneer honorees were:

• Denise Benton, Staff Award recipient;

• Edward Harrison, Administration Award recipient; • Charlotte Black, Faculty Award recipient;

• Dia Poole, Alumni Award recipient; and

• Olivia Rosas, Lorraine Frost Ally Award recipient.

“This is an excellent opportunity for our current students to meet past CSUSB pioneers, alumni and community leaders,” Roberson said of the event, which also supports the annual African American Graduation recognition ceremony. “This is ultimately a history lesson of pioneers that made a huge impact at Cal State San Bernardino.” ●

Panel discussion

brings four

inspirational

African-American

business leaders

to CSUSB

Four distinguished African-American individuals spoke about their rise to the top, the challenges they faced and how others can succeed, as part of the Distinguished Business Leaders Panel following the Pioneer Breakfast in February.

The panelists included: Reginald Webb, franchise owner and operator of McDonald’s restaurants, and founder and CEO of Webb Family Enterprises Inc.; Howard Booker, foundation and corporate giving director of the In-N-Out Burger Foundation, and CSU alumnus; Kiesha Nix, executive director of the Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation; and Celeste Alleyne, west region director of citizenship and public affairs for Microsoft.

CSUSB First Peoples’ Center

celebrates state Assembly

resolution in support of its work

In early February, CSUSB’s First Peoples’ Center celebrated its second grand opening to formally receive a state

Assembly resolution recognizing it and its work. State Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes, D-San Bernardino, presented the framed resolution to the university.

“I truly believe that we not only have to respect each other, but we also have to take the time to understand one another, and to build spaces where we can do just that,” Reyes said. “These are the spaces I believe in — spaces that reflect and celebrate the dynamic diversity of our region. When our students are understood and included, they soar toward success.”

Also in attendance was Lynn Valbuena, chairwoman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, the tribe named after Santos Manuel, leader of the Yuhaaviatam or People of the Pines, in the late 1800s. The university’s student union also bears his name.

“Those of us from Native American and indigenous communities know that we continue to do what we can in the face of significant challenges,” she said. “And one of those significant challenges is educating the general public and educating civic organizations about what we do and our culture. And that goes on across the country.

“However, as leaders of tribes and nations and education, we are convinced that by establishing important initiatives, like the First Peoples’ Center here at Cal State San Bernardino, that we are making progress in addressing these challenges with greater conviction than ever before,” Valbuena said.

The First Peoples’ Center, which opened its doors in September 2017, is dedicated to the social and personal success of students with the support of staff, faculty and community members of local clans and cities. The center provides a welcoming, diverse and culturally sensitive environment to all of CSUSB’s student body. ●

The panelists answered a series of pre-selected questions related to their successes and challenges, such as what it means to be a leader and how they have handled and overcome racism. Audience members, consisting mostly of CSUSB students, were also given the opportunity to ask questions. ●

Watch at

magazine.csusb.edu

Celebrating the opening of the CSUSB First Peoples' Center are Lynn Valbuena, chairwoman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and state Assemblywoman Gómez Reyes, D-San Bernardino.

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Edison International and

CSUSB inspire students to

pursue STEM majors

The CSUSB Philanthropic Foundation was awarded $75,000 in STEM scholarships from Edison International, the parent company of Southern California Edison, to encourage qualified students to pursue education in STEM or STEM-related majors.

The scholarship funds will pay for tuition and other related expenses to support economically disadvantaged, underrepresented, academically qualified students with about 75 percent of the funds to be disbursed among College of Natural Sciences students in Project STEM (science,

technology, engineering and mathematics) and 25 percent will be disbursed to students involved in the Center for Enhancement of Mathematics Education program.

“We are grateful to Edison for their continued support of our students to pursue STEM majors and we hope ultimately careers in STEM-related fields,” said CSUSB Provost Shari McMahan. “These scholarships will complement the hard work, dedication and innovation of our faculty to encourage and inspire our students taking STEM courses.”

The scholarships will be awarded to 20 qualified students with award amounts of approximately $2,670, with up to six qualified students receiving approximately $2,968. The targeted students are minority, low-income and underrepresented students in STEM and STEM-related majors. The selected scholarship recipients will receive grant award notifications in the 2018–19 academic year. ●

CSUSB part of

first-ever, 5-campus

consortium grant

For the first time ever, a four-year, five-campus consortium grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation will be given to local California State Universities to establish the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship (MMUF) program, with Cal State San Bernardino as one of the participating campuses.

The other universities in this unique consortium include Cal State Fullerton, Cal State Dominguez Hills, Cal State

Long Beach and Cal State Los Angeles, with the CSU Foundation as the primary grantee. The total funding is $2,211,000. CSUSB will receive $425,814 to support the program.

“The powerful partnership among these five extraordinary CSU campuses and The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation will have a lasting, positive impact for numerous students and their futures,” said Shari G. McMahan, provost of CSUSB and vice president for academic affairs. “This will help many of our promising underrepresented students in the humanities to reach their highest educational and career goals.”

The MMUF grant was implemented to increase academic opportunities

and provide financial support to underrepresented students, most of which are low-income and first-generation, who will pursue a doctorate in the humanities after completing their studies at CSUSB. The main objective is to address, over time, the problem of underrepresentation in college and university faculties.

“As a Hispanic-Serving Institution, CSUSB seamlessly lines up with the goals of The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship program,” said CSUSB President Tomás D. Morales. “We deeply value the diversity of our campus community and are pleased to continue to support such diversity.” ●

Helping

Those in Need

CSUSB students in need will receive more assistance thanks to the Hunger-Free College Campuses initiative, which provided the university with a one-time grant of $105,000.

The one-year program funding, which comes from California Senate Bill 85, was given to California State Universities, Universities of California, and California Community Colleges to deploy strategies to help students who are experiencing food insecurity.

With the funds, CSUSB will purchase a vehicle to transport donations for the on-campus Obershaw DEN food pantry and will implement a new internship program in partnership with the Salvation Army to temporarily feed and house students in need. CSUSB has also already established a Basic Needs Taskforce to help develop a media campaign for all basic needs services, including a new webpage and outreach activities. ●

CSUSB students volunteer at the Obershaw DEN on a regular basis.